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These inspirational teachings show that the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. Drawn from the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the popular Japanese martial art known as Aikido, The Art of Peace offers a nonviolent way to victory and a convincing counterpoint to such classics as Musashi's Book of Five Rings and Sun Tzu's Art of War.

The translator of this book is an incredible person in his own right. Stevens sensei is a professor of Buddhist studies and aikido instructor at the Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan. And let me tell you, this little book is a gem. Every serious aikido student, as well as other martial artists should own this book.

Each page simply contains a brief statement or a section of poetry (taken from a larger poem). Great for meditation and contemplation. Slows you down and makes you think. A huge amount of thanks and gratitude is due to John Stevens for making O'Sensei's literary teachings available to the Western world. Thanks John!

Probably on of the shortest books on the subject of Aikido, the Art of Peace lends itself well to anyone who wishes to read more of O-Sensei's words on the spiritual and philosophical side of training.

It comprises of the standard resume of O-sensei, as is the norm for almost every book written about Aikido, before launching straight into the body of the work.

There are no chapters here, only one saying or teaching to a page with no explanations or deciphering taking place. The magic of this small book (it only measures about 60mm by 80mm and not very thick) is that it is up to the individual to determine exactly what they feel each little phrase has to offer them. When you first read it, you make your mind up about a certain aspect of a teaching - then something happens in your life and when you read it once more, it is in a completely different context.

The book has no structure, no paragraphs, no chapters, and it need not be read in any order. It is small, but this just belies its true scope. When you first pick it up you immediately think it is insignificant, and yet the further you delve into it, the more you get out of it.

In all, a cunningly simple piece of work, which is in itself a manifestation of the true spirit of Aikido.